Young people fear post-recession impact on employability

Two thirds of young Britons fear their long-term job prospects have been robbed by the recession, new research reveals.

According to the the latest Youth Commission report into employability, 64 per cent of young people believe the recession will have long-lasting effects on their ability to find work.

Almost a million young people are still out of work after youth unemployment soared to record levels in 2009. The report, established by independent education foundation Edge’s Learner Forum, found 58 per cent of young Britons feel radical changes need to be made to the education system to improve their employability.

“We are at a critical stage where, if the employment situation for young people continues, it will be a danger to them and to society, warns Rose Dowling, director of the Edge Learner Forum.

“We can’t let this happen and need to make sure that this and future generations are prepared for employment and have the many paths to success they deserve.

“We don’t have all the answers though and we need more young people to have their say on education. Being still in or having just left school, they are well placed to inform ministers on the changes that need to be made to ensure everyone leaves the system possessing skills that make them an attractive proposition to potential employers.”

The research, capturing the views of more than 6,000 13-25 year olds, points to wide-spread agreement about the changes needed to be made, with work experience, careers advice and employment skills singled out.

Some 48 per cent of young people feel they have not had enough work experience to inform their career of choice.

Barry Sheerman MP, chair of the Select Committee for Children Schools and Families, says: “There needs to be a three-way conversation – we need to know what employers are looking for, what young people want and how education can implement those changes – and only by doing that will we be able to make sure young people leave the education system with the best possible chance of gaining employment.”

Jason Rainbow

(Pictured: Barry Sheerman, chair of the Select Committee for Children Schools and Families)